Derek Graves cited affer death of pedestrian Pallav Parakh

Derek Graves of Chesterfield was cited for motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation as a result of the death of Pallav Parakh who was struck by a truck while he was in a crosswalk on New South Street in Northampton on Halloween.
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NORTHAMPTON — The driver who allegedly struck Pallav Parakh in a crosswalk on Halloween may face charges in connection with Parakh’s death.

Derek J. Graves, 25, of 174 East St., Chesterfield, was cited Thursday for motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, according to a statement from the Northwestern district attorney’s office.

Graves has the option to request a show-cause hearing in Northampton District Court to have the evidence reviewed before a criminal complaint is issued. Those hearings are typically held about 30 days after a citation is issued, according to the DA’s office.

If the case goes to trial and Graves is convicted, he faces a potential sentence of two-and-a-half years in jail, a $3,000 fine and 15-year loss of license.

At 4:42 p.m. on Oct. 31, Parakh, 35, was walking alone in a crosswalk on New South Street by the west entrance of Pulaski Park, behind the Academy of Music, when he was struck by a pickup truck driven by Graves, according to police accident reports.

Parakh, a doctor at Baystate Medical Practices Greenfield Gastroenterology, died about eleven days later after succumbing to injuries sustained in the accident.

He leaves behind a wife, Shweta, and a daughter, Anoushka.

Graves was not immediately charged after the accident while the district attorney’s office worked with the Northampton Police Department’s accident reconstruction team to determine details surrounding the accident.

The topic of the crosswalk’s safety is scheduled to be on the agenda at the next meeting of the Transportation and Parking Commission Tuesday at 4 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Ward 7 City Councilor Eugene A. Tacy, who chairs the commission, said he is concerned about safety at that crosswalk and hopes to hear from residents.